The Politics Guys

Mike and Michael open with the turmoil inside the FBI under Director Kash Patel, highlighting Patel’s public clashes with Congress, mass agent departures, and lawsuits alleging unlawful firings. Michael argues that Patel is dangerously unqualified and politicizing the Bureau, while Mike stresses the long-term damage caused by the loss of experienced agents and the trend toward authoritarian-style loyalty tests. Next, they turn to the U.S. military’s sinking of Venezuelan boats allegedly tied to drug trafficking, which killed over a dozen people. Michael warns that the strikes are illegal, reckless, and set a chilling precedent, while Mike emphasizes the cruelty and performative toughness behind such actions, questioning what it says about America’s political culture. After that, Mike poses a series of listener-inspired questions to Michael: he reflects on his conflicted views about capital punishment, considers possible Republican contributions like limited budget guardrails, and stresses the need for long-term thinking on issues such as immigration, climate change, and fiscal responsibility. The guys close with listener questions on political “othering” and whether Disney boycotts will matter. Michael points to the dangers of demonizing opponents and agrees boycotts are more about personal expression than real impact, while Mike highlights the rarity of effective boycotts and the broader risks when dissent itself is cast as un-American. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike is joined by a new host, political scientist Michael Levy. They open with the political and constitutional fallout from Charlie Kirk’s murder, focusing on government crackdowns on speech. Michael stresses the deeper problem of weaponizing government against dissent, while Mike argues this shows the split between Trump loyalists and constitutional conservatives like Ted Cruz. Next, they turn to Trump’s deployment of National Guard units to cities like Memphis and proposals for tougher sentencing in D.C. Michael emphasizes that these measures are often more about optics than addressing root causes of crime, while Mike worries about performative politics without clear objectives and the loss of bipartisan reform momentum. After that, the discussion moves to the looming government shutdown. Michael predicts a shutdown is likely, given the lack of cross-party negotiations and high stakes over ACA subsidies, while Mike highlights that majority parties almost never win shutdown battles and sees Democrats trying to leverage their strongest policy terrain—healthcare. The guys close with reflections on polarization and leadership. Michael doubts Schumer has leverage to force concessions, while Mike stresses that Democrats cannot afford to fold on ACA subsidies despite the risks of shutdown politics. Listen to Mike’s appearance on the What Do We Do Next? Podcast The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Osita Nwanevu, a contributing editor at The New Republic, columnist at The Guardian, and the Democratic Institutions fellow at the Roosevelt Institute. He’s also the author of The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding, which they discuss on this episode Topics Mike & Osita cover include: why democracy is the best political system the ‘folk theory’ of democracy if Americans actually care about democracy democracy and demagogues grounding principles for modern democracy the Framers’ views of democracy reforms to make the US system more democratic The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin cover the recent firing of UK ambassador Peter Mandelson over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein and the implications of Trump's involvement with Epstein. Next, they reflect on the 24th anniversary of 9/11, discussing its lasting impact on American politics and society, and the evolution of political responses to terrorism. The pair also make connections to the lessons of 9/11, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and the current culture of political violence in the United States. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike is a big fan of Tim’s Substack. Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin discuss the tragic death of political figure Charlie Kirk, exploring the implications of political violence in the United States. They analyze the rhetoric surrounding the incident, the role of social media in exacerbating tensions, and the need for empathy in political discourse. Next, the pair discuss the Supreme Court's recent rulings on immigration policy, emphasizing the importance of due process and civil liberties. The Trey and Justine finish with a call for civil dialogue and understanding in a polarized political landscape. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike is a big fan of Tim’s Substack. Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with David Garland, the Arthur Vanderbilt Professor of Law and Professor of Sociology at New York University. He’s the author of multiple books, including the recently released Law and Order Leviathan: America’s Extraordinary Regime of Policing and Punishment, which they discuss on this episode Topics Mike & David cover include: why the US justice system is so deeply punitive how American capitalism affects our penal system American gun culture and crime why crim is down but incarceration is up race, family cohesion, and the prison population how the US differs from other rich democracies regional incarceration differences within the US The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Tim open this midweek supporters’ episode with a listener’s multipart question about political shifts, good Democratic policies, Trump’s weak spots, and Republican values Democrats overlook. Tim highlights his changed stance on abortion, his appreciation for progressive taxes, skepticism of Trump’s trust in Putin, and the need for more respect toward pro-life views. Mike adds that he is rethinking the unitary executive theory, weighing risks of presidential overreach against the benefit of clearer accountability. Next, they turn to the penalty ruling in the Google antitrust case. Tim argues the decision was correct, viewing Google as an innovative American success unfairly labeled a monopolist, while Mike sees the mild ruling as sensible given market changes driven by AI competition and existing browser deals that maintain some consumer choice. After that, they examine Trump’s executive order on federal architecture. Both hosts agree with prioritizing traditional and classical designs, condemning the prevalence of brutalist buildings, though Tim cautions that shifts to remote work may reduce the need for massive federal office space. The guys close with Trump’s decision to revive the “Department of War” label, listener questions on bipartisanship, tariffs as consumption taxes, and “brain rot” from phone overuse. Mike sees bipartisanship as valuable only when rooted in genuine common ground and worries about political distraction fueled by digital habits, while Tim emphasizes viewpoint diversity, neutrality over bipartisanship, and stricter limits on kids’ phone use. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike is a big fan of Tim’s Substack. Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Tim open with the Fifth Circuit’s rejection of President Trump’s attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act against Venezuelan migrants tied to Tren de Aragua. Tim argues the ruling shows the importance of clear legal definitions but believes Trump is still winning the broader political fight on immigration, while Mike warns about sweeping due process problems in deporting whole populations without individual review. Next, they turn to a federal judge striking down Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles under Posse Comitatus. Mike emphasizes the danger of stretching unitary executive power to make the law meaningless, stressing the risks of militarized law enforcement. Tim concedes the legal limits but insists Democrats’ failures on crime and homelessness fuel political support for Trump’s actions, framing the issue as one of disorder and broken local governance. After that, the guys dig into the appellate court’s ruling against Trump’s tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Tim defends tariffs as a fair, flat consumption tax and credits Trump for forcing a rethink of free trade politics, while Mike points out their regressive economic effects and chaotic rollout. The discussion broadens into jobs data, deficits, non-tariff barriers, and whether the Supreme Court will ultimately defer to Trump’s emergency claims. The guys close with predictions on the Court’s likely stance, a spirited back-and-forth on whether the justices will side with Trump, and a reminder that much of the fight is as much about words and perceptions as it is about law or economics. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike is a big fan of Tim’s Substack. Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey talks with Tyler Evans, an experienced infectious diseases and public health expert who has worked around the word, including as Chief Medical Officer for New York City, but also with Doctors Without Borders and Partners in Health. He is the author of Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics: Decoding the Social and Political Drivers of Pandemics from Plague to COVID-19, which is the topic of the episode. Topics Trey and Tyler cover include: the effect of politics on public health outcomes public health policy and healthcare access public mistrust of health authorities the effects of the current administration on public health The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Ken continue their deep dive through the U.S. Constitution. They begin by looking at the history and structure of the 25th Amendment. How it has been used in terms of voluntary transfers of power and for the selection of vice presidents. They also discuss the unused portions allowing a president to be forced to transfer power. The pair also discuss the history of enfranchising 18-year-olds and its ties to the Vietnam War. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special three-guest episode, Trey and Ken are joined by Mike. They start the show with a conversation on Trump’s attempted firing of Federal Reserve Board Member Lisa Cook over mortgage applications. Trey overviews what is happening and the likely desire of President Trump to influence monetary policy. Ken discusses the current legal landscape for the firing of independent board members, and Mike is thoroughly disturbed by the entire process. Next, the guys move to Chicago and the potential for National Guard troops to be deployed. Trey stakes out a firm line: if troops are sent to an American city, we have finally gone off the road of democracy. Ken discusses the potential legal ramifications as the use of military force to uphold state law can potentially be illegal. They close the show by looking both at the firing of former CDC Director Susan Minarez and the implications of that for public health in the wake of RFK Jr.’s most recent statements and policies. Trey explains the fundamentally unscientific basis of RFK Jr’s position: that nothing can be falsified. Mike and Ken discuss the implications of political meddling on vaccines and public health. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike welcomes back George Mason University economist Bryan Caplan to discuss Bryan’s latest collection, Pro-Market AND Pro-Business: Essays on Laissez-Faire. Topics Mike & Bryan discuss include: Mike’s skepticism of big business and Bryan’s response why Bryan thinks businesspeople earn every penny the pro-market case for noncompete clauses consumer harm and antitrust law positive and negative externalities Bryan’s ideal pro-market healthcare system opportunity costs and using paper plates Bryan Caplan on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin and Sam open with a discussion of the legal challenges surrounding the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility, where Sam highlights how environmental law is being leveraged in unexpected ways and Justin emphasizes the partisan optics behind the controversy. Next, they turn to the FBI raid on John Bolton’s home. Sam underscores the legal backdrop of Bolton’s book dispute and stresses that a liberal bench approving the warrant suggests strong probable cause, while Justin raises concerns about the timing and political optics. After that, the guys analyze recent shifts in voter registration showing Democratic losses and Republican gains. Sam argues Republicans are improving ground game strategy and capitalizing on Democratic missteps, while Justin points to Democratic disorganization, difficulties with key constituencies, and the complexities of interpreting such data. The guys close with Trump’s floated executive order to eliminate mail-in voting. Sam strongly supports tighter restrictions on ballot security, citing foreign models and the Carter Commission, while Justin defends mail-in voting as a necessary tool for accessibility and notes the lack of evidence of widespread fraud. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin and Sam open with Trump’s back-to-back meetings with Zelensky and Putin. Sam argues they could mark real progress, with Trump uniquely able to pressure leaders into a room. Justin doubts meaningful concessions are likely, pointing to Putin’s sunk costs and Ukraine’s moral high ground. Next, the guys examine Trump’s move to secure a $9B government stake in Intel. Sam frames it as a justified national-security safeguard given U.S. reliance on chips and China’s role in supply chains. Justin sees it as an overreach, with Trump strong-arming Intel’s CEO and reshaping the CHIPS Act process without clear authority. They close with a look at Trump’s attacks on Jerome Powell and Fed Governor Lisa Cook while pushing for rate cuts. Sam sympathizes with Trump’s frustration, stressing that Powell dodges accountability and ignores economic urgency. Justin sees it as part of Trump’s broader unitary executive impulse, defending Fed independence as a buffer against political overreach. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joey open this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of President Trump nominating E.J. Antoni to run the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mike argues that Antoni is too inexperienced for the position, while Joey counters that it’s Antoni’s lack of time in the establishment that may make him a more effective change agent at BLS. They both agree that there are significant issues with BLS’s data collection methodology that need to be addressed. Next is a look at President Trump’s continuing battle against elite universities. Mike allows that the administration has a civil rights case to make, but that using the stick of removing unrelated federal funding is both inappropriate and potentially unconstitutional. Joey argues that federal dollars are the people’s money, Trump was elected by the people, and so using the threat of ending federal funding is an entirely appropriate way to force change in elite higher ed. They close by considering whether President Trump will continue Biden-era efforts to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III in federal drug classification. Mike argues that this could actually bolster the case for the anti-marijuana side, an argument Joey finds compelling. Joey points out the legitimacy issues that arise when there is widespread defiance of the law, making a case for clear federal supremacy when the federal government is acting within proper constitutional constraints. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A brief message from Mike about the newest hosts on TPG and why they're on the show. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Joey open with a discussion of President Trump’s meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Mike sees it as a weak Trump being once again played by alpha-dog Putin, while Joey believes it’s Trump who is cleverly playing to Putin’s ego. They both agree that we won’t know which interpretation is closer to right until we know the details of any potential peace deal. Next, it’s a look at the Trump administration’s efforts to combat crime in Washington, D.C.. Joey argues that the President is well within his rights to do what he’s doing, while Mike believes that there are some potential legal issues. Mike also raises the issue of the authoritarian feel of what’s going on and the lack of a clear exit strategy. They’re both hoping that in the longer run, the MPD gets the resources it needs to keep the Capitol safe. They close with a consideration of the California redistricting effort announced by Governor Newsom. Joey points out that California already seems very gerrymandered, which Mike argues has much more to do with geography than politics. Mike finds himself torn between his good-government instinct to preserve California’s independent redistricting commission and his concern about Democrats ceding seats to Republicans willing to engage in more aggressive gerrymanders. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Anand Pandian, a professor of anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. He's the author of Something Between Us: The Everyday Walls of American Life, and How to Take Them Down, which they discuss on this episode.. Topics Mike & Anand cover include: how distance feeds conspiratorial thinking the rise of “fortress homes” the decline of front porches why American vehicles are so enormous “White Body Armor” the walls of the mind mutual aid and caretaking Anand Pandian on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken Katkin and Justin Holmes discuss dive into the recent appellate court decision in the DOJ contempt suit, new developments in the investigations of Jack Smith and the Russia Hoax, as well as JD Vance using federal resources to make sure he had a good canoe trip. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Justin Holmes and Ken Katkin are host. They start off with the firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which seems bad all around, but perhaps won't give Trump what he wants in the end. Next, they move on to trade, as some of Trump's tariffs took effect this week, while China's were delayed yet again. They finish by talking about developments in the fight over Texas redistricting, and Trump’s social media posts about the census, and the likelihood there could be an extra census before 2030, and of excluding non-citizens. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Deb Otis, Director of Research and Policy at FairVote, a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections for all. Topics Mike & Deb discuss include: - problems with our current voting system - the benefits of ranked choice voting (RCV) - potential issues with RCV - the pushback against RCV in Republican states - the Fair Representation Act - multi-member districts- nonpartisan redistricting - expanding the House of Representatives - Senate representation and the Electoral College FairVote on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Ken kick off this supporters’ midweek episode with a discussion of the dire situation in Gaza, including consideration of what the US can do to help and Netanyahu’s endgame in his fight against Hamas (and to stay out of prison). Next, they look at a novel approach Democrats on the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee are taking to force the release of materials on Jeffrey Epstein. Following that, it’s a major housing bill that recently cleared the Senate Banking Committee in a 24-0 vote. Both Mike and Ken think it’s a good start to dealing with the housing shortage, but there’s still plenty more to be done. Ken points out that the housing affordability problem could be seen as more of a ‘wages are too low for the working class’ problem. They close with Ken answering listener questions about what he’s changed his mind on, a decent Republican policy, his major beef with the Biden administration, and one concept he wishes more conservatives understood. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Ken open with a discussion of the Federal Reserve’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged, despite hectoring from President Trump for a major rate cut. The guys consider the case for and against lower interest rates, as well as the effect the Trump tariffs are having on the decision. From there, they consider the likelihood that the Supreme Court will ultimately invalidate most of President Trump’s tariffs. Next is a look at Texas’ mid-decade redistricting and the possibility that Democratic-controlled states (like California, most notably) may conduct their own between-Censuses redistricting in retaliation. Along the way, Ken convinces Mike that walking out of a mid-decade redistricting, as Texas Democrats are considering, is a reasonable response to the situation. They close with a discussion of DOGE’s new “AI Deregulation Decision Tool”, which is intended to be a key component in the agency’s goal of cutting 100,000 federal regulations by the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s second term. Mike sees the possibilities - and the peril - with Ken being highly skeptical that this tool won’t be used for highly partisan ends. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Check out the excellent Sustainable Planet podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Tim Murphy, a national correspondent at Mother Jones, about the NYC mayoral campaign of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani. Topics Mike and Tim discuss include: lessons learned from Trump’s NYC gains in 2024 disillusionment and disengagement in Democratic cities Mamdani’s limited experience how much Mamdani benefited from running against Cuomo Mamdani’s affordability platform how he plans to pay for everything he wants to do an attempt to revoke Mamdani’s citizenship the ‘globalize the Intifada’ controversy The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin and Joey open this midweek supporters’ episode by exploring the Democratic Party’s post-2024 crossroads, sparked by a socialist win in New York and Hunter Biden’s provocative media appearances. Justin argues the party’s aging leadership and weak bench leave it vulnerable and fragmented, with no clear 2028 frontrunner. Joey sees a party ideologically fractured between moderates and a resurgent left, raising questions about whether Democrats can unify—or even keep their voters—heading into the next presidential cycle. Next is Trump’s push to reinstate Native-themed sports names like the Redskins and Indians. Justin, once more strident, now sees the issue as complex and notes even Native opinion is divided; he finds Trump’s micromanaging of cultural matters more noteworthy than the naming itself. Joey defends the names as tributes rather than slurs and frames the episode as part of Trump’s broader fight against elite-driven cultural conformity that politicizes even leisure spaces like sports. They close by reflecting on the deaths and cultural impact of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Hulk Hogan, and Ozzy Osbourne. Joey praises the Cosby Show’s enduring humor and the unifying presence of Hulkamania, seeing both as touchstones of American optimism. Justin offers a heartfelt tribute to Ozzy as a musical innovator who helped birth heavy metal, arguing his creative legacy far outshines his controversies. Both agree that these icons transcended politics and offered generational moments of shared meaning. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joey Ashbrook joins Justin Holmes to talk through the week's issues. They start with the continuing saga of the Epstein Files and the potential political fallout. Next, they turn their attention to the Paramount merger and the Trump Administration's role in it. Finally, they wrap up by talking about Texas doing an unusual (but legal) mid-decade congressional redistricting, along with a bit on the history of gerrymandering. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with LeahDowney, a junior research fellow at St. John’s College, Cambridge. They discuss her book, Our Money: Monetary Policy as if Democracy Matters. Topics Mike & Leah Cover Include: fiscal vs monetary policy the Federal Reserve’s legal mandate the money neutrality myth Fed dominance as legitimate, but harmful to democracy iterative governance at the Fed auditing or otherwise constraining the Fed’s independence why the Fed should be regularly rechartered The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Sam open this supporters’ midweek episode with a look at President Trump’s increasing frustration with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and a recent deal in which the US will sell arms to NATO allies who will then give those weapons to Ukraine. Sam sees Trump as a realist and a deal maker who hasn’t changed his mind, but who is simply adjusting to new facts on the ground. Mike’s less certain of that, but he’s pleased that, at present, it doesn’t seem like Trump has plans to cut and run in Ukraine - especially now that the US stands to gain billions in additional arms sales. Next, they take a look at the economy and President Trump’s overall record at the six-month mark of his presidency. Mike sees plenty of economic danger signs, which he attributes mainly to Trump’s tariff and deportation policies, but which Sam sees as having more to do with the Fed not lowering interest rates. They also discuss what they see as the biggest achievements (for better or worse) in Trump’s first six months. They close with Sam answering a supporter's question about what he’s changed his mind on, what Democrats get right, areas in which he’s disappointed with President Trump, and a Republican idea he wishes Democrats understood. (Mike wasn’t asked this question, but he also answers it.) The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Sam open with a discussion of the ongoing controversy in MAGAworld about the Epstein files. Mike thought it wouldn’t have the staying power that it has, while Sam isn’t at all surprised that the poor handling of the matter and lack of transparency by the Trump administration have resulted in plenty of anger on the right. Next, they turn to a rarity in Congress - a successful rescissions bill. Mike points out that the $9.4 billion cut is a drop in the bucket and that NPR, in particular, might be better off without the small amount of government funding that this will deny them. Sam feels that while it might not be much, it’s a step in the right direction. They close with a look at a recent Supreme Court decision that allowed mass firings and reorganization at the Department of Education to go forward. Mike believes that the administration ignored a clear legal provision in carrying out the firings, though Sam doesn’t see things that way. He does agree with Mike that at some point, an ostensible restructuring/efficiency measure becomes a de facto illegal agency closure, but that we’re not there yet. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin are joined by Mike and begin by discussing the Supreme Court’s unsigned opinion on federal workforce reductions. The trio dissects the contrasting views of Justices Jackson and Sotomayor. Next is a look into Trump’s executive order aiming to end subsidies and tax credits for clean energy. The trio discusses the policy’s potential effects on renewable energy and Congress’ reaction, along with the future of U.S. energy policy. The show ends with a discussion of the Columbia University hack and the attack on Zohar’s Mamdani by Christopher Rufo. The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Mike’s Substack:⁠ What Fresh Hell is This⁠? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin are joined by Mike! In this episode, the trio start by asking if Musk is serious about the America Party. Then they discuss the newest no-client list from the Epstein files along with a longer conversation about conspiracy culture. After that, it is a look at the legal limbo of birthright citizenship, refiled as a class-action lawsuit. Finally, the question of tariffs and trade and the newest extension and rhetoric from Trump’s tariff letters. The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Mike’s Substack:⁠ What Fresh Hell is This⁠? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey & Ken continue through the U.S. Constitution, covering the 23rd and 24th Amendments. Topics covered include: The history of the U.S. Capital The origin of the District of Columbia The reasons for granting the District of Columbia electors but not Congresspersons The origin and history of poll taxes The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Mike’s Substack:⁠ What Fresh Hell is This⁠? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 4th of July: Trey and Ken are back! They open the show by reading a portion of the Declaration of Independence and commenting on the past and future of the United States on its 249th anniversary. After that, they turn to the biggest news item this week: the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill Act. Because of the complexity of the law, the hosts take this on in two sections. First, they look at the politics of the Big Beautiful Bill, including the end of the Republican Party as the party of deficit reduction. Second, they turn to the actual policies of the bill, including a deep rundown of most of its provisions and possible effects. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Greg Lukianoff, attorney, New York Times bestselling author, and President and CEO of FIRE: the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. They discuss Greg’s latest book, The War on Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech - And Why They Fail, with Nadine Strossen. Topics Mike & Greg discuss include: - Why calling words “violence” leads to actual violence - The case against hate speech laws - Free speech lessons from Nazi Germany and Rwanda - Shoutdowns as mob censorship on campus - Whether the internet makes speech protections obsolete - Mill’s trident and the case for truth through debate - Who really benefits from free speech protections - The limits of regulating misinformation and disinformation Follow Greg on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin continue with two more Supreme Court cases from the end of the term. They begin with Mahmoud v. Taylor, which allows parents to opt out their children from pre-K LGBTQ+ books. Here, Trey argues that education is value-driven, and the public sphere can never do what is necessary for education. Justin agrees but believes there is a space in which universal values can be applied. The hosts then turn to Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton and the upholding of a Texas law requiring age verification for certain types of pornographic websites. Justin believes the majority is largely correct, but Trey thinks that the exclusion of certain types of social media websites means that it is not truly content-neutral. The pair also discuss teens in the age of a ubiquitous digital life. The show closes with a brief overview of the New York City primary election for Mayor and Justin’s take on the future of the Democratic Party. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys orpoliticsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin open this week with the United States bombing of Iran. In this sweeping conversation, the hosts look at not only the legal aspect of President Trump’s bombing order but also the political. This includes conversations about the growing potential rift in MAGA, the debate between Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz, and an examination of the power of the U.S. President as it relates to war. Next, the pair discuss the first of three major cases released at the end of the United States Supreme Court’s term: Trump’s v. CASA. Here, the Supreme Court sidestepped looking at the issue of the 14th Amendment and instead restrained its own power in terms of universal injunctions. Trey overviews the history and scholarship of nationwide injunctions. Then, both hosts discuss the possibility of class action lawsuits as a means to continue the practice. However, as Trey points out, the court seems reluctant, given the concurrences, to allow that to occur. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Joan C. Williams, Distinguished Professor of Law and Hastings Foundation Chair (emerita) at University of California College of Law San Francisco. She’s the author of the recently released book, Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back, which they discuss in this episode. Topics Mike & Joan cover include: - class blindness on the left - the ‘missing middle’ - why moving to the center isn’t the answer - why red states with ‘family values’ have so much family dysfunction - toxic masculinity and deploying alternative masculinities - the left’s problem with patriotism Take the New Class Bubble Quiz The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Justin, and Joey open this midweek supporters’ episode with a discussion of the Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender teens. Joey defends the ruling as consistent with constitutional principles and the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of state authority in medical regulation. Justin criticizes the decision as both legally flawed and harmful, arguing that it targets a marginalized group and disregards medical consensus. Mike highlights the central importance of the legal standard of review and raises concerns about selective targeting and inconsistency in medical regulation. Next, they turn to the recent Army parade and No Kings rallies. Mike expresses discomfort with seeing tanks in American streets and questions whether aesthetics cloud political judgment. Joey defends the parade as patriotic and effective, arguing that Trump’s authenticity resonates more deeply than elite aesthetics. Justin agrees that performative politics can be powerful but stresses the risk of alienating the public when protests appear disingenuous. From there, the guys unpack the Ninth Circuit’s ruling that President Trump acted within his authority in federalizing the California National Guard. Joey argues the decision rightly affirms executive power and reflects constitutional tradition, especially in matters of federal enforcement. Justin raises concerns about federalism and the dangerous precedent of using federal troops against local dissent. Mike agrees the ruling is legally sound but shares worries about Trump’s motives and the potential for executive overreach. The episode closes with a discussion of President Trump’s decision to extend the TikTok divestiture deadline. Mike and Justin question the legality of the move and point out the lack of statutory support, with Mike drawing parallels to earlier debates over executive discretion. Joey acknowledges the limits of executive authority while defending some degree of tactical discretion, stressing that ultimately the law must be followed—even by the president. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Get 50% off your first Magic Mind subscription using the code POLITICSGUYS50 at https://www.magicmind.com/politicsguys50 #magicmind #mentalperformance Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Mike and Justin are joined by Joey Ashbrook, a new conservative voice on The Politics Guys. They open with a discussion of the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. Justin argues that Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal “set the ball in motion” for today’s crisis. Joey contends that Iran’s uranium enrichment past peaceful-use levels justifies Trump’s hardline stance. Mike suggests Netanyahu may have maneuvered the U.S. into deeper involvement by initiating strikes that only American assets can complete. The conversation then turns to the politically motivated murders in Minnesota. Justin calls Trump’s refusal to contact Governor Walz “classless” and emblematic of his failure to provide unifying symbolic leadership. Mike warns that rising political violence is fueled by social disconnection and online radicalization. Joey concedes that some GOP reactions were misjudged but argues that rejecting “fake unity” is a core—and clarifying—feature of Trump’s political ethos. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Get 50% off your first Magic Mind subscription using the code POLITICSGUYS50 at https://www.magicmind.com/politicsguys50 #magicmind #mentalperformance Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Trey, and Tim open with a look at one part of the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that could have some bipartisan support - the plan to give every child born in the US a $1,000 investment account. From there, they turn to Elon Musk, who issued a sort of apology for some of the things he said about President Trump, as well as a lawsuit alleging Musk conducted a “brazen scheme to bribe Wisconsin citizens to vote”. They close by considering Tim’s recent Substack post about how he’s changing his teaching to deal with LLMs and the broader issue of what LLMs mean for higher education and democracy. Check out Tim on Substack and X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Trey are joined by a new co-host, Tim King, a Professor of Economics at the University of Austin. The guys start off with a discussion of the civil unrest in Los Angeles. Tim argues that Democrats are hurting themselves politically by appearing to side with violent protesters. Trey points out that the administration’s legal justification for deploying troops is on shaky ground. Mike highlights that while the president receives broad deference on these matters, the failure to follow proper legal procedures is a real problem. From there, they move to the parade in honor of the Army’s 250th birthday and the ‘No Kings’ counterprogramming scheduled for the same day in multiple locations across the country. Tim sees the parade as a positive show of support for the military, but doubts protests will change anything. Trey views these events as more about organizing and building activist networks than immediate impact. Mike warns that counterprotests like these risk alienating voters and undermining the cause they hope to advance. They close by considering HHS Secretary RFK Jr firing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices and quickly naming eight replacements, just weeks before the committee’s next meeting. Tim downplays the impact, suggesting public trust in government health advice was already damaged during COVID. Trey stresses that the advisory board’s decisions have real consequences for vaccine access. Mike finds RFK’s claims of conflicts of interest unconvincing, seeing little justification for such a sweeping shake-up. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Check out Tim on Substack and X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Get 50% off your first Magic Mind subscription using the code POLITICSGUYS50 at https://www.magicmind.com/politicsguys50 #magicmind #mentalperformance Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin begin the show by discussing two Supreme Court cases. The first case resulted in a unanimous decision against Mexico’s lawsuit against gun manufacturers. The case sparked a discussion between the hosts about their own positions on gun rights and the merits of the case. Trey viewed it as a pointless case. Next, the hosts addressed the split decision to allow DOGE access to social security information. While acknowledging the problematic nature of the institutional presidency, the hosts agree that DOGE, despite its policy issues, should be granted access to the data. This led to an extended conversation about the evolution of the presidency and the concept of the imperial presidency. The show concludes with a discussion about the possible party realignment occurring in the United States, focused on the departure of former President Biden’s press secretary from the Democratic Party. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trey and Justin join forces for the first time in this week's episode! The pair begin with a discussion of Trump's new travel ban and its relationship to the attack in Boulder. Then they discuss both the social media battle between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump and whether this is the last gasp for economic conservatives in the Republican Party. They close the show discussing the impact of Ukraine's drone strikes and how it borders, as close as one can, to the workings of a James Bond-like movie. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support atpatreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Lura Forcum, president of the Independent Center, an organization that represents people who are fed up with partisan politics and feel politically homeless. Topics Mike & Lura discuss include: how Lura went from a marketing professor to running the Independent Center true independents vs learners if there are enough independents to make a real difference whether partisan politics is such a bad thing the two-party stranglehold on political power how the Independent Center hopes to change things Check out Lura's podcast: We Made This Political The Independent Center on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, Justin, and Sam open with the Russia-Ukraine war and Trump’s shifting tone toward Putin. Sam calls Putin “crazy like a fox” and blames Biden’s weak deterrence, arguing Ukraine will ultimately have to concede territory. Mike notes that while Congress is pushing for more sanctions, “if you give Putin an inch, he’ll take three and a half miles.” Justin worries that conceding ground may only encourage further Russian aggression and doubts anyone has real leverage to end the stalemate. Next, the hosts discuss Elon Musk’s exit from his government role. Sam says Musk’s departure was legally inevitable and credits him with shaking things up, though he sees missed opportunities. Mike frames Musk’s tenure as a classic story of a corporate titan facing the reality of government, describing Musk as both brilliant and clueless. Justin argues Musk overpromised and underdelivered, leaving behind a mess and ongoing conflict-of-interest questions. The conversation closes with Trump’s executive orders targeting law firms and the politicization of legal representation. Sam claims big law has been “weaponized” against conservatives but admits the orders were drafted too broadly. Mike finds the summary judgment against Trump unsurprising and warns that crackdowns on law firms threaten the free market. Justin sees the rulings as a win for free speech and says if lawyers can’t find a firm, they can start their own, adding that Trump’s style is a big part of the backlash. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Mike and Justin welcome conservative attorney Sam Dewey to the podcast. They start with a discussion of the big rulings this week on President Trump’s tariffs. Sam says the real issue is Congress giving too much tariff power to the president. Justin sees a troubling pattern of executive overreach. Mike highlights the irony that conservative legal doctrines may now limit Trump’s power. Next, they turn to the latest bunch of clemency actions from President Trump. Sam defends the pardons as a response to “weaponized” prosecutions. Justin argues the beneficiaries are mostly Trump’s allies, not everyday people. Mike notes Trump’s deeply personal approach to justice. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Eric Heinze, professor at Queen Mary University of London and author of Coming Clean: The Rise of Critical Theory and the Future of the Left. Topics Mike and Eric discuss include: why critical theory resists a single definition the Radical Critique of Western Liberal Democracythe left’s greatest legacy: redefining history as collective self-scrutiny the left’s big blind spot prospects for change Eric Heinze on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin and Ken kick things off by diving into the recent wave of controversy at university graduation ceremonies, focusing on student protests, administrative discipline, and the fallout from pro-Palestinian activism. Ken highlights how some universities have responded with severe penalties, while Justin points out the broader context of political pressure from the Trump administration. Next, they discuss the Trump administration’s escalating battles with Harvard, Columbia, and other top universities, especially over international student visas and federal research funding. Justin notes the chilling effect on university recruitment and reputation, while Ken explains how the courts have quickly intervened to halt what he sees as flagrant violations of basic administrative law. The conversation zooms out to examine the post-WWII origins of government-funded research at American universities and why those dollars are vital to national leadership in science and technology. Ken gives a primer on the policy rationale and the global “soft power” benefits, while Justin reflects on the risk of brain drain as talented researchers leave for more stable opportunities. Wrapping up, the hosts cover the recent White House visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, exploring Trump’s rhetoric around “white genocide” and the realpolitik behind the meeting. Justin observes how Ramaphosa skillfully held his ground with Trump, while Ken unpacks the interplay between Trump, Elon Musk, and domestic politics, seeing little actual policy at stake. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin and Ken start by digging into the passage of the so-called “big, beautiful budget bill”—a sweeping House measure with far-reaching fiscal and policy implications. Justin highlights the political maneuvering and procedural oddities that defined the bill’s passage, while Ken offers a critical breakdown of its contents, deficit impact, and the dramatic tradeoffs between tax cuts and program cuts. Both note the bill’s likely downstream effects on Medicaid recipients, rural healthcare, SNAP benefits, and America’s clean energy future, with Ken emphasizing the unprecedented deficit expansion and Justin focusing on the political optics and the challenge for Democrats to frame the debate. Next, the hosts turn to a landmark—and controversial—Supreme Court shadow docket decision, which summarily overturned decades of precedent on the independence of federal agencies. Ken explains the legal mechanics and historical context behind the decision, warning that the Court’s use of emergency orders for major constitutional shifts undermines process and stability. Justin, meanwhile, explores the practical consequences, especially the tactic of disabling regulatory agencies by denying them a quorum, and what this might signal for the future balance of power in government. The episode closes with an examination of the highly publicized arrest of Newark mayor Ras Baraka and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver at an ICE protest. Justin and Ken both condemn the actions as heavy-handed and chilling, discussing how federal overreach in this context threatens principles of federalism, separation of powers, and civil dissent. Ken draws a line to broader Department of Justice trends, while Justin stresses the real personal and financial costs inflicted on those targeted by such arrests. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike talks with Eva Posner, founder and CEO of Evinco Strategies, a political consulting firm specializing in first-time candidates from diverse backgrounds who face barriers in traditional campaigns. Topics Mike & Eva discuss include: why you have to be weird to run for office the importance of ‘Rolodexing’ the power of relatability the value of ‘hard asks’ challenges first-time candidates face the importance of call time getting potential donors to open their wallets Eva Posner on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices